Golden Gloves takes on gun violence with help from Harlem advocacy group

As part of the Daily News campaign against gun violence, the Golden Gloves tournament is partnering with Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E (Stop Another Violent End) to promote the use of "fists, not guns."

Tonight's event at Harlem PAL, which is sponsored by the Sebastian Mountain Trust, will help spread the Harlem Mothers organization's important message about the perils of gun violence.

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Created in 2006 by Jackie Rowe-Adams with the support of New York State Assemblyman Keith Wright, the organization brings together mothers who have lost children to gun violence. The mission of Harlem Mothers is to "prolong life among New York City's youth by preventing gun violence and its social causes and cost." Rowe-Adams lost her 17-year-old son and her 28-year-old son to gun violence and has since devoted her time and energy to preventing other mothers from feeling that same insurmountable pain.

"Either I was going to hate teenagers, or I was going to do something," Rowe-Adams writes on her website. "If I can save another mother's child, my life was not a waste."

Key voices from the community will be in attendance, including Aquil Davidson from the Harlem-based hip-hop group "Wreckx-n-Effect." Davidson's friend and a member of the original group, Brandon Mitchell, was tragically shot to death shortly after their 1989 album "Wrecks-n-Effect" was released.

The "Night of Peace" will feature all of the female weight classes, including Gloves legends Christina Cruz and Nisa Rodriguez. They have combined for 16 titles and are the favorites to once again take home gold in their respective weight classes this year.

The 165 lb. Novice class will enter its third round of competition Wednesday, and the 201+ Novice division will be on display as well.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:45 for the opening bout. Tickets are available starting at $25 with discounts for students, active military, police and firefighters.